NDP statement on world press freedom day 2024

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“On World Press Freedom Day, New Democrats celebrate the vital role of a free press in holding power to account, informing Canadians and safeguarding our democracy. This year’s theme, "A Press for the Planet," is to honour the work done by the media in covering the climate crisis.

Now more than ever, journalists play an integral role in informing Canadians, holding elected officials accountable to the public, fact checking disinformation and false claims and giving voice to the voiceless.

We must also acknowledge the increasing threats journalists face in Canada and worldwide. From violence, intimidation, and doxing, media is under increased pressure to keep themselves safe. With deep cuts made by big corporate media giants, journalists are forced to do a lot more with a lot less.

New Democrats will always fight for more investments in newsrooms so Canadians can stay informed. Unlike other politicians who are threatening to cut our public broadcaster, New Democrats will fight for more journalists, more news and uphold their right to work in a safe environment.

Today and every day, let’s thank our media for their tireless effort to provide timely news and stand in solidarity with journalists everywhere. Let us all work together to create a world where journalism is invested in and where all journalists can work freely and without fear.”